Feb. 21, 2023: I found this article. I copied and pasted most of it except the gambling part, because I'm not interested in gambling.
Dec. 1, 2022 "19 Secret Las Vegas Tips for First Timers (How to Visit Vegas Like A Pro)":
This is by Aly Watson from Like Where You're Going:
If you’re planning your first trip to Las Vegas, you should know that it definitely won’t be your last. The energetic atmosphere and the freedom to let loose becomes an addiction.
But if you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, know that it will be stimulation overload!
There is so much to see, do, taste, try, drink and play that it can quickly become
overwhelming.
But don’t waste your time on the most overrated places in Vegas (trust me).
There are certain things to know before going to Vegas that will help you make the most
of your trip.
It can be as wild or as low key as you want it to be.
If you’ve never been to Las Vegas, for some people it’s hard to understand the appeal.
While drinkin’ and gamblin’ are favorite activities for many, there’s so much more to
experience about this energetically wild city.
It’s even the perfect place to spend a honeymoon or a romantic getaway
(read more ideas for couples here).
The lights, the grandiose casinos, the fountain shows, the people watching, rooftop views
…like where I’m going with this? Vegas is a city like no other.
It’s loud, exuberant and knows how to host a party.
But before you hit the ground running, there are some Las Vegas tips for first timers that will be helpful to keep you going for your inaugural trip.
Here’s how to make your first time to Vegas the best trip ever.
General Las Vegas Tips for First Timers
Before we get to my recommendations about where to stay in Vegas for your first time and
the must-do activities, there are a few things to know before you navigate Sin City.
Everything is Bigger and Further Away than it Seems
The scale of the strip is so deceiving. Because the hotels and casinos are ultra large, it
makes everything appear closer than it actually is.
Honestly, I’ve been to Vegas about half a dozen times, and it still gets me.
This is important to know for planning purposes, especially if you’re travelling with a group
and want to coordinate where to meet up.
You might think, “Oh we’re at New York New York and we’ll meet you at the Paris in a
few minutes.”
Even though it’s pretty much across the street, it’s probably going to take you a minimum
of 20 minutes to get over there.
For your very first visit to Vegas, I recommend booking a 3 hour tour to show you around
the must-see places along the Strip.
With this tour, you can choose whichever time of day you prefer and your guide will bring
you to the iconic places, but also hidden gems and secret spots (like the secret pizza shop
and happy hour beer for 50 cents)!
Be Prepared to Walk A Lot
This also means you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Again, no matter how many times
I visit, I never get used to the amount of walking I do.
However, this does wonders for my competitive spirit when I want to track how many steps I
can get on my fitness tracker (I use the Garmin Venu) in a day! Hint – it was over 30,000
one time.
The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard) is over 3 miles long, in addition to the vast spaces within the
hotels and casinos.
Consequently, you should bring your comfiest shoes that can handle this amount of walking.
But don’t just bring one pair.
Bring a few different pairs (different styles) that you can rotate through to give your feet a
break as well. Doing this is a huge life saver.
For me, I always bring a trusty pair of daytime sneakers, a pair of cushy birkenstock-style sandals and a nice pair of comfy wedges to wear at dinner.
Use Public Transit
The good news is that there are buses, trams and monorails that you can use as a low cost
to cut down your walking time.
I recommended purchasing a three-day pass for the Deuce bus which is a double-decker city
bus that cruises from the south end of the Strip up to Fremont.
This way you can hop on and hop off when you need to.
Another new option for transportation is to purchase bus fares through the Uber app!
Just open the app and you can compare fares from the different buses and purchase your
tickets through the app.
You could also try the monorail to go north to south on the east side of the Strip. If you’re
staying at the Linq, Flamingo, Paris or the MGM Grand, the monorail runs right behind
these hotels.
You can purchase one day or multi-day passes here.
There are also a few free trams to use on the other side of the strip that go in between the
hotels owned under the same brand.
Should You Rent a Car in Vegas?
This depends on what you’re planning to do. In my opinion, I would avoid renting a car for
your first trip to Vegas.
If you’re only in town for the weekend or a few days, there will be plenty of things on the Strip
and Fremont street that will keep you busy.
And if you’re just sticking to this part of town, you really don’t need the hassle of renting a car.
Most hotels charge for parking now and traffic is always busy.
General Tips for Walking the Strip
I will never forget my very first trip to Vegas when I remember asking a staff person at the
hotel if I could bring my can of beer outside the casino.
She smiled and replied “this is Vegas, honey, you can bring your drink anywhere.”
I mean, I knew you could drink anywhere, but as a first timer in Vegas, it was so cool to be
able to walk around and bring your open drink anywhere!
Shopping with a glass of wine? Highly recommend!
Now, all that being said, if you want to save a little money on Vegas Vacation, purchase drinks
at the CVS or corner stores instead of grabbing one at the casino bar.
Also, avoid anyone who approaches you on the Strip wanting to offer you free shows or
discounts.
This is usually a timeshare presentation that will take an entire afternoon.
The same goes for people in the casinos. They usually approach couples and ask if it’s your
first time in Vegas, how long you’re staying, etc.
It’s best to just avoid these people!
And there will be all kinds of characters and interesting people on the Strip.
Anything from impersonators, people dressed up in costumes to buskers and everything in
between.
Definitely enjoy and have some fun, but know that if you take a photo with them you will be
expected to tip them.
And if you’re planning to visit the famous Las Vegas sign (which is a must do as a first timer),
there will usually be someone there who offers to take the photo for you so that you don’t
need to take a selfie.
Again, if you let them do this you will be expected to tip.
Bring Your ID
And it’s a good idea to always have your ID on you. If you look a day under 30, most security
guards at the casinos will ask for your ID and you might not be able to enter if you don’t have
it on you.
Best Casinos in Vegas for First Timers
First, I recommend visiting as many casinos as you’d like. It’s fun to visit the different themed
casinos and see how they vary.
Enjoy roaming around even if you don’t plan on gambling. Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio
are showy and grandiose.
I like the inside of the Paris hotel, and the New York New York has a fun urban vibe to it.
I like the Cromwell casino as it’s a little smaller than most and has cheap drinks if you’re not
gambling and just want to watch a group hollering around a hot Craps table.
Any of the casinos on Fremont Street (old Las Vegas) are also good, and most people think
they pay out a little more often.
And if it’s your first time in Vegas you have to stop at Binion’s (on Fremont) and take a photo
with a stack of a million dollars.
You get a free 5×7 print out of your photo too!
And as a Las Vegas first timer, even if you’re not a gambler, it’s still fun to pull the old school
handles on the slots!
Most of them are all digital nowadays (where you push the button to bet), but you can still find
a few rows of the analogue machines where you pull the handle.
Even more, there are still a few casinos left that have machines that payout in coins!
You can find a few of these kicking around at the D on Fremont, El Cortez and Slots A Fun
next to Circus Circus.
Where to Stay in Vegas for Your First Time
There are SO many hotels to choose from.
Since you will likely be visiting as many places as you can on the Strip, I recommend choosing
a hotel based on location.
If it’s your first time in Vegas, as soon as you arrive on the strip you’ll want to start exploring immediately!
I recommend staying in the middle of the strip for easiest access to check out as many hotels
and casinos as possible.
Lower Cost Hotels in the Middle of the Strip
I like staying at the Flamingo because it’s central and a little less expensive than other hotels
in the middle of the Strip.
It’s close to the Linq, Paris and across from Caesars which all have great dining options.
And if you’re visiting in the summer, the Flamingo has the best pool in Las Vegas.
In my opinion, this hotel is one of the best places to stay in Las Vegas for first timers.
Almost right next door is the LINQ, which is a great value option, since it’s very centrally located.
The Linq shopping area is lots of fun, and this is where the High Roller observation wheel is
located too.
If you’re visiting Vegas on a romantic getaway or maybe your honeymoon, the Paris Hotel is an excellent choice.
The romantic French theme is perfect for couples. You can also request a room with a view of
the Bellagio fountains!
I would stay away from the cheapest Strip hotels like Circus Circus or the Tropicana. They’re
each located at extreme ends of the Strip.
If you’re a Vegas first timer, staying at these hotels would be more of a pain than what it’s worth
to save a few bucks.
That being said, if you just want the cheapest room possible and don’t mind making use of the
bus to go up and down the Strip, you can definitely find deals at these places.
Hotel Choices if You Want to Spend a Little More
Caesar’s Palace is a classic choice. It’s famous, there’s lots of action here and it’s smack dab
in the middle of the Strip.
The Bellagio is also a classic and timeless choice if you want something more luxurious. This
is the hotel that plays the famous water fountain show synonymous with images of Vegas.
Las Vegas Hotel Tips for First Timers
To score cheaper rooms in Vegas, visit mid-week if you can. I like to book trips from Sunday
to Wednesday to avoid paying weekend premiums.
Room costs in Vegas are also mostly driven by events.
There are hundreds of conventions held here every year. This is why I highly recommend you
monitor hotel calendars and pricing for random sales or price spikes.
Hotels in Las Vegas charge ‘resort fees.’ I think this is just a polite way of getting away with
Vegas tax.
You will have to factor in a daily resort fee when you book your accommodations.
This will always be a separate fee that you pay the hotel and not when you book online.
It seems that the fees go up every year, and now they range anywhere from $20-50 per night.
The resort fees cover things like WiFi and access to hotel amenities like the pool and fitness
center.
HOTEL TIP: If you want to avoid resort fees, stay at a hotel on Fremont Street. The Four Queens does not charge a resort fee.
You Can Ask for an Upgrade
You can always ask for an upgrade when you check into your hotel.
This is usually based on availability and whether the hotel is full or not. Politely ask if there are
any room upgrades available.
Let them know you’re celebrating something special (birthday, anniversary, getting married, etc). Or especially since it’s your first time in Vegas, that’s also an occasion to celebrate.
Some people combine this with the $20 trick. Where you wedge a 20 dollar bill (or more) in
between your credit card and ID when you hand it to the person checking you in.
Good to know – you don’t actually need to hide the cash you’re trying to get an upgrade with.
Just place it on the counter and ask nicely.
All tips in Vegas must be disclosed, so there’s no need to hide your bribe.
TRAVEL TIP – Peak check-in time at hotels in Las Vegas is usually between 3-7pm. The lineups
can be extremely long. Try to arrive a bit early and get checked in.
Your room likely won’t be ready, but you can leave your bags secured with the hotel and ask
them to text you when your room is ready.
Then you can hit the casino, go sightseeing, anything you want.
You don’t want to waste any time waiting around on your first trip to Vegas!
How to Get Comps and Fees Waived
No matter what hotel you stay at, sign up for the free loyalty club or player’s card.
Use this card every time you gamble and when you eat the the restaurants owned by the hotels
or the same brand of hotels.
MGM properties are generally the easiest to build up rewards with as there are many hotels
and status tiers – The Mirage and New York New York are my favorite.
Once you pick a brand, start building loyalty by gambling, dining and shopping at these
properties.
Building up status will help you get comps for future trips, but you can also score bonuses on
your current stay.
The night before you checkout, stop in at your hotel’s host office and mention that you’ve had a
great stay and wanted to know if you have wagered enough to get some of the resort fees or
parking fees waived.
Usually the hosts have the ability to check and determined how much you’ve spent on the
property to see if you qualify for discounts.
Don’t be afraid to mention it’s your first time visiting Las Vegas and that you’re excited to return.
Attractions That Are Must Do in Vegas for First Timers
As far as Sin City activities go, there’s definitely a lot more to do than just drink and gamble.
Here are some free and paid attractions that you shouldn’t miss on your first Vegas trip.
Free Las Vegas Activities
Watch the Bellagio Fountains
Watching the fountains dance along to the music never gets old no matter how many times
you see it.
They are absolutely mesmerizing and should not be missed! They run every 15 minutes at night.
Find a nice spot to watch and enjoy for free!
Visit the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
Snapping a pic at the most famous sign in America is a must! It’s located at the very south end
of the Strip and there’s a small parking lot to pull into, or you can take the bus there.
There’s usually a lineup of people waiting their turn, but it goes decently fast.
And there will usually be someone offering to take your photo, so make sure you tip them
afterwards.
Head to Fremont Street
A lot of Vegas first timers ask if Fremont Street is worth it and I say absolutely yes! This is the
‘original’ Vegas Strip and was the place to be in the 1950s and 60s.
They’ve done a great job of reviving it but still keeping with the old school, vintage theme.
It’s a pedestrian only street, and not very big, so it’s fun to walk around, check out the old
casinos, people watch (there are some crazies here) and listen to free concerts at the outdoor
stage.
Unwind in the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Inside the Bellagio hotel is an incredible themed garden display which changes four times a
year with the seasons.
The stunning exhibit comes to life under a 50-foot glass ceiling, so if you’re craving a little
sunlight after being in a dark casino, this is the place to be.
If you’re after some nice photo spots in Las Vegas, the Bellagio gardens would
be perfect.
Walk the Strip at Night
Ok, this seems obvious, but the Strip comes to life at night, and you should do this every night
on your trip.
The lights and colors are wild and crazy and you really don’t know the vast scale of it all until
you’re there in the middle of it.
And while you’re at it, be sure to wander into as many hotel casinos and lobbies as you can.
They’re all so different and fun to explore.
Paid Las Vegas Activities that Are a Must Do
Vegas isn’t the cheapest destination to visit, but if you add some of the above free things to do
to your Las Vegas itinerary, paying for a few must-do attractions won’t seem that bad.
Find Some Bird’s Eye Views of the Strip at Night
You must experience views of the Las Vegas Strip from above at night! You can head to the Stratosphere Observation Deck on either the 108 or 109th floors!
To give you an idea about how high this place is, it’s also the tallest freestanding observation
tower in the USA!
It will cost you $24 per adult to head up there, but you can save $4 per ticket by purchasing your tickets in advance here.
The High Roller is the huge observation wheel located in the Linq Promenade and is an
awesome way to take in the sights of the Strip. You can go anytime of day, but I recommend
visiting at night or sunset.
One full trip around the wheel is about 30 minutes. And even if you’re afraid of heights you
don’t really notice it!
TRAVEL TIP: Book the happy hour experience where your pod includes an open bar. We did
this and loved it. The bartenders are extremely fast and efficient, ensuring you get your
money’s worth! Buy your tickets here, especially if you’re travelling with a group.
Or for the ultimate way to view the Strip from above, book a helicopter city lights tour!
It’s not as expensive as you might think, and you get to see all the glitz and glamour from
above, including the Bellagio fountains!
Take in a Show
There are so many shows to choose from here, you can’t come to Vegas for your first time and
not see a show!
Absinthe is my all-time favorite show in Las Vegas. I would see it 100 times in a row. It’s a
raunchy, burlesque circus-style show at Caesars Palace.
Any of the Cirque du Soleil shows are incredible. KA and O are some of the best acrobatics, or
if you prefer something musical, try the Beatles or the Michael Jackson Cirque shows.
Choose your Cirque du Soleil show here.
Or choose a mind-blowing magic show like the famous Penn & Teller or David Copperfield.
And if you’re visiting for a stag or bachelorette party, some of the more risque shows are super
fun. Drag Brunch, Zombie Burlesque, Chippendale’s…anything you want! See some of the best ones here.
Enjoy a Romantic Ride on a Gondola in Mini-Venice
Yes, you can pretend you’re in love in Italy with a gondola ride on the canals at the Venetian
hotel. They go from outside to inside and go under a couple bridges (if you kiss underneath
them it’s good luck)!
Have a Drink Somewhere Fun!
There are so many places to have a drink and people watch! I love sitting outside at Cabo
Wabo at Plant Hollywood.
Or put on something fancy and head to the Fountain Room at Mandalay Bay.
Or sit inside a massive chandelier at the Cosmopolitan hotel and order the secret flower drink.
Book a Tour
One of the best ways to get the most out of your trip to Vegas is to make use of a tour.
After a full day or two of the busy city, you might want to get out of town for a few hours. And
you should! There are some incredible places to see surrounding Las Vegas.
Visit Hoover Dam, go hiking in the Valley of Fire or take a boat ride on Lake Mead.
Some Final Things to Remember Before Going to Vegas
Visit Vegas with an open mind. If there are a few things you don’t want to miss, make sure you
plan for them but then keep your schedule open the rest of the time.
There are so many things going on that will grab your attention, so you may not stick to the
schedule you had planned. And that’s OK.
You may not get to see and do everything you wanted on your first trip to Vegas, but I promise
you will be back!
19 Secret Las Vegas Tips for First Timers (How to Visit Vegas Like A Pro) (likewhereyouregoing.com)
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Kimiko F. from Surrey, BC, would like to know:
Are you celebrating New Year's Eve? If so, will you be going out or staying in this year?
I'm staying in 61.06% (2501)
I'm going out 20.90% (856)
I don't celebrate New Year's Eve 18.04% (739)
Valerie M. from La Prairie, QC, would like to know:
Who are you going to spend New Year's Day with?
With family
66.44% (2201)
Alone
23.30% (772)
With friends
10.26% (340)
My opinion: My family at home. I guess alone at home too.
Noemie L from Saint-Eustache, QC, would like to know:
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
No
72.41% (3108)
Yes
27.59% (1184)
Danielle C. from Mirabel, QC, would like to know:
In the winter, do you use sunscreen?
No
67.36% (5435)
Sometimes
15.06% (1215)
Yes, I use sunscreen
12.07% (974)
Yes, I use sunscreen
12.07% (974)
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